Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says it needs help updating a management plan for the White River deer herd.
Herd management plans have a wide effect on local economies that count on hunters’ money. At a meeting on Wednesday night, CPW is hoping to hear from hunters as well as local business owners and residents.
Plans typically only last a decade or so; this plan was last updated in 1995.
This herd lives throughout Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco Counties. It is one of the largest and most studied in the state, known as Colorado’s “mule-deer factory.” Herd size estimates have declined from over 100,000 deer three decades ago to just over 32,000 in the most recent count.
The plan’s objective male to female ratio will be discussed, and the plan will be brought up to speed to reflect new threats like Chronic Wasting Disease, habitat loss, traffic and oil and gas exploration.
The public can give feedback at 6 p.m. in Meeker, or online.